Outlook: The Bears’ roster lists a trio of sophomores (Alex Barrett, Ryan Corcoran, Kyle Dennin) who figure to play significant roles. ... “I think, obviously, the guys are pretty excited this year,” Ludwig said. “We’re going to be a young team with returning guys. We have young talent we have to incorporate, to get in flow of varsity play. We’re excited about he potential to get back to the PAC-10 playoffs, and qualify for districts.”

Outlook: Gendreau, who spent the previous eight seasons as an assistant on former head coach John Butkus’ staff, was named to take over the Blazer program earlier this year. ... “With only one senior on the roster, we will be heavily dependent on our young players,” he said. “Despite our youth, we have four different underclassmen who started at least one game last year (Worthington, Downs, Stephon Williams, Lacey). Our quickness and athleticism will be our strength.”

Outlook: After sending 10 players to college basketball from the previous two graduating classes, the Blues will look to a new group of seniors to lead a young team forward. ... “With so many new faces to the program or lineup, we hope to build chemistry and toughness, and play our best basketball in February,” Eilberg said. “With at least 10 players in the rotation, Hill hopes to use its depth to wear down opponents. A key to success will be rebounding.”

Outlook: “The 2012-2013 Warriors are made up of a hard-working, committed group of players,” Derstine said. “They have dedicated themselves to getting better during the off-season and are beginning to gel as a group. One of the obstacles facing this year’s team will be replacing a graduating class that included eight seniors, three of which were starters. Although this year’s roster includes only two players (Casper and Forrest) with significant varsity experience, the newcomers have jumped right in and are excited for the opportunity to prove themselves.”

Outlook: Crider comes back off a sophomore season that saw him average 17.3 ppg in 17 outings. ... “OJR is looking to improve upon the 4-18 record they have finished with the past two seasons,” Talley said. “The team has worked hard over the past year to improve in all areas of the game. We will have to continue to improve defensively every day, in order to compete in a very balanced league this year.”

Outlook: Davis, Leonard, and Wilson — all returning starters from last season — will be challenged to lead the Vikings in both practices and games. ... “I am very proud and honored to be working with a great group of student-athletes who have committed themselves to improvement in the offseason,” Poysden said. “Our players have great work ethics and are dedicated to their success on and off the court. We have competition at every spot and depth as a team will be a strength of ours.”

Outlook: Bozzelli, Hughes and Gadsen are returnees to the Phantoms’ starting lineup from one year ago. Harrigan, Lindsay and Tallirico also return to the varsity ranks. ... Howell and Wallace are back at Phoenixville after attending Westtown and Archbishop Carroll, respectively. ... “I think this is probably the best outlook we have in the three years I’ve been there,” Reber said. “Having three year in, they understand how we want to play. They’re working hard to play that way. I think we’ll be a competitive team.”

Outlook: The Golden Panthers program has a modest streak going: Qualification for the PIAA Class AAA state playoffs each of their first two years of existence. ... “We are trying to find out who we are, and who can become by the end of the season,” Flanagan said. “Our aim right now is to, simply, get better every day.”

Outlook: The Falcons return only four varsity letterwinners (Barefield, Breidenbach, Boyd, Fowler) and one starter (Boyd). ... “Although we may lack experience,” Palladino said, “I believe we can make that up with a lot of depth and athleticism. Boyd is a returning double figure scorer and was one of the league leaders in made 3-point baskets. Ryan Klotz, Isaiah Liebenberger and Aaron Tremble will provide strength inside and rebounding ability. Mike Graves and Tyrone Jeffcoat-Parker will bring energy and strength at the defensive end.”

Outlook: Benfield takes over the Trojan program from Marlon “Jai-T” Randall, for whom he was an assistant the past two seasons. He previously served seven-year coaching hitches at St. Pius X — on Randy Reber’s staff — and with Cardinal Dougherty in the Catholic League. ... Both Elliott and Moore are three-year varsity starters. Elliott was second on the team, to 2012 graduate Elijah Jackson, in scoring with a per-game points average of 13.2.

Outlook: The Rams will have to replace four starters from a 2011-12 squad that came a point short of Methacton in the PAC-10’s Final Four championship game. ... “The team has been working hard in the preseason,” Young said. “Strengths include team depth, size, players who can play multiple positions and positive work ethic. There look to be many players who have worked hard in the offseason and improved their games, who are looking to make an impact on the varsity level.

Outlook: Schmidt takes over the Indian program from Ed Lapinski, becoming its third different coaches in as many seasons. He has a combined 23 years’ coaching experience between the UP and Upper Dublin boys programs. ... “Our emphasis in the preseason practices has been twofold, defense and execution,” Schmidt said. “In Robbie, Chandler and Josh, we have three players who started last year. They are going to be counted on to provide leadership both on and off the floor. Overall, we are not very tall so need to play good defense so we can keep rebounding position.”